Polystyrene foam insulation is a great choice for the insulation of buildings. It reduces energy consumption and improves the comfort of occupants. However, this material can be affected by moisture, which can have a negative impact on its thermal performance. Thankfully, polystyrene foam insulation has several unique properties that make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications, including locations that experience high levels of moisture.
XPS
XPS polystyrene is an excellent choice for insulating buildings. Its unique closed-cell construction prevents the transfer of heat, creating a superior thermal insulation product. It is also highly resistant to water vapour transmission and absorption. This makes it especially suitable for underground walls and building foundations. In addition to these applications, it can also be used in green roofs and terraces. It is suitable for both residential and commercial buildings and is also suitable for parking lots and cold storage facilities.
XPS and EPS are two types of polystyrene insulation that can both provide a highly insulated building envelope. But they are not equal, and a thorough understanding of the differences between the two types can help you make a more informed decision. XPS is more expensive than EPS, but its initial R-value per inch is higher. This is because the blowing agents that are used to manufacture XPS are released over time. Nevertheless, the insulation is very durable and offers long-term performance.
XPS polystyrene is commonly used for new construction and remodeling applications. XPS is also available in standard sizes and shapes. It has a high resistance to water absorption, making it an ideal choice for humid environments. XPS foam also has a high degree of rigidity and makes it a great choice for structural panels.
EPS
EPS polystyrene foam is a lightweight, durable insulator with high mechanical resistance. It is also easy to handle and install. It comes in both grey and white varieties, and the grey version is more efficient in terms of heat and moisture absorption. The downside is that the grey variety is slightly more expensive.
EPS is manufactured in a variety of densities to meet the needs of various construction applications. The lower density is ideal for void forming, while the higher density is used for heavy load-bearing applications. Both densities have good heat resistance and low permeability, but higher densities have higher strength and greater durability. EPS is commonly used as residential and industrial insulation. EPS products are made in a three-step process. The first step is to make beads of the polystyrene. The second step involves introducing an agent into the mixture, such as petane, to expand the foam.
Once installed, EPS polystyrene foam offers a lifetime warranty. This warranty removes the stress of replacing the insulation when it doesn’t work. In addition, EPS is very versatile, and can be used for anything from a 100,000 square foot warehouse to a garage draft.
EPS polystyrene foam is an environmentally friendly and economical way to insulate your home or office. It is also non-toxic and recyclable, making it an excellent choice for green home insulation.
Vapour barrier
A vapour barrier is a layer of material that prevents moisture from passing through a polystyrene foam insulation panel. It is commonly called a vapour retarder and is present in extruded polystyrene foam insulation and foil-faced foam board. This barrier is not completely impenetrable to vapour, but is a valuable feature in the construction of a building.
Vapour barriers are required in many colder climates, but this feature can be confusing for a homeowner. In most cases, vapor barriers are only necessary if the temperature difference between inside and outside is high enough. The National Roofing Contractors Association also recommends that vapor barriers be used in cold climates.
Vapour barriers come in different forms. Generally, a vapor barrier is a material with a perm rating of less than 0.1. A vapor barrier with a perm rating of between 0.1 and one is called a Class II semi-permeable vapor retarder. Another type of vapor barrier is a vapor barrier with a perm rating between one and 10; these are classified as highly permeable.
Vapour barriers in polystyrene foam insulation can be an important factor for maintaining the temperature in a building. They can reduce condensation in a building and can be installed beneath the grade.
Moisture resistance
Polystyrene foam insulation is a great choice for homeowners who are concerned about moisture damage. This type of material is remarkably resistant to moisture due to its closed-cell structure. This allows the material to quickly dry out even after a rain event. Moreover, this type of insulation retains its R-value over the life of the building.
There are two types of polystyrene foam insulation: extruded polystyrene and expanded polystyrene. Both types have the same basic materials, but are made using different manufacturing processes. Although both products are effective, moisture resistance is an important factor in determining their quality.
Expanded polystyrene is a versatile material used in a variety of construction applications. This material is resistant to water and moisture and will not contribute to the formation of mildew and other molds and fungi. Polystyrene foam is also lightweight and is easier to cut than other materials.
Polystyrene foam insulation is not waterproof. However, it is water-resistant and is a great option for homeowners with water-prone homes. Its many practical applications include roof insulation and foundation walls. It is a great alternative to traditional fiberglass batt insulation. The R-value of polystyrene foam is rated at four per inch.
Polystyrene foam insulation (EPS) is somewhat water-resistant. However, it does not completely resist water, and it will absorb water once it gets wet. Therefore, it is important to use recommended design practices when installing polystyrene foam insulation.
Cost
The cost of Polystyrene Insulation installation varies significantly depending on the size of the project, the complexity of installation, and the location of the project. Cost estimates are best obtained from multiple qualified vendors. These estimates may require an onsite inspection and in-depth sales pitch.
Extruded polystyrene, also known as Styrofoam, costs between $0.45 per board foot. This type of foam insulation has an R-value of 5 per inch and is available in four-inch thicknesses. Despite its low price, this material poses a potential health risk for consumers.
The cost of polystyrene foam insulation varies widely depending on the size and thickness of the required insulation. KNAUF’s basic insulation costs about 1,200 rubles per cubic foot. Multifunctional foam plates can cost up to 3000 rubles per cube. KNAUF offers several different options for each parameter.
A single layer of polystyrene foam insulation costs between $6,099 and $8,316, depending on the size and layout of the home. This type of insulation is usually used on small remodel projects. The cost estimate above is based on a 1,500 square foot home. It does not include the cost of other materials, but includes labor.
When it comes to cost, expanded polystyrene is the best value for money. Its R-value per board foot is the lowest, making it an excellent choice for a building’s insulation needs. It also reduces the home’s energy costs and helps the environment.